Mayans MC Season 1 FinaleReview

Warning: Full spoilers follow for the Season 1 finale of Mayans MC, titled "Cuervo/Tz'ikn'uul."

Mayans MC drops a giant-sized Sons of Anarchy bomb in its captivating Season 1 finale, titled "Cuervo/Tz'ikb'uul." But as surprising as the reveal of SAMCRO member Happy Lowman as the potential killer of EZ and Angel's mom is, it's far from the best moment in this thrilling episode.

Series creator Elgin James, working alongside executive producer Kurt Sutter, continues to wisely keep the narrative focus of the show on family dynamics, especially when it involves the Reyes clan: EZ, Angel, Kevin, and Papa Felipe. After EZ and Angel are given the task of killing their cousin, Kevin, the suspense of "who's gonna get him first" is palpable - and skillfully written. All of the evidence points to Felipe doing the deed so his sons don't have to, culminating in that meat locker scene, which is fantastic.

Mayans: Season 1 Photos

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JD Pardo as EZ Reyes in Mayans MC: Season 1

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JD Pardo as EZ Reyes in Mayans MC: Season 1

Mayans: Season 1 Photos

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When Felipe closes the butcher shop door and ushers Kevin into the back room for a "quiet chat," it's difficult to not notice all of the large knives hanging from the wall. Like any good action or even horror film, the sequence creates a delightful amount of uncertainty, as you're left guessing which sharp or blunt object Felipe will use to do the deed.

While not as exhilarating as a fight between Felipe and Kevin could have been, it's a great display of character from Mr. Reyes to prove that the individuals in Mayans MC can change, no matter how complex their past lives may be. It's also impactful to see Felipe admitting to his son, Angel, that he can't go through with murdering a family member. On the verge of tears, Felipe says, "It made sense, but I couldn't do it." Edward James Olmos has been quietly brilliant all season, but he doesn't hold back the emotions here, showcasing why he's one of the best actors in the business.

Speaking of Angel, Clayton Cardenas has been another standout, most notably in the latter half of the season. Angel's story is tragically endearing, as Cardenas is able to effectively portray his character's pain, due to EZ being his father's "golden child." In terms of their personalities, the Reyes brothers share similarities to Michael and Sonny Corleone from The Godfather (the calculated mastermind vs. the loudmouth brute), but unlike the classic mob film, this show is able to go deeper, by developing its ensemble over the course of several hours - potentially many seasons - allowing for more character study. Now that EZ is choosing to not run away, like Angel suggested, hopefully, Season 2 will explore their relationship further in a compelling way.

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On the Galindo family front, the most fascinating revelations about their future concern Nestor Oceteva, who could become the Season 2 wildcard, potentially foiling the cartel's plans. In a subtle but important scene, Miguel's decision to not promote Nestor could come back to haunt him. Even though these guys commit horrible, violent acts, it's frustrating to see Miguel talk down to his long-time friend and protector. It feels like Galindo is scolding Nestor for being too violent, like there's some kind of code of conduct for drug dealers.

A character who's definitely in need of a Human Resource lesson is the poetic - and sometimes maniacal - Assistant U.S. Attorney, Lincoln Potter. As a government official, he's an effective villain, especially with the law on his side, allowing him to get away with almost anything. Telling EZ that he owes him one is a good indicator that we'll see more Ray McKinnon in Season 2, which isn't a bad thing.

OK, let's get back to the SOA reveal at the end of the episode. For most of the season, Mayans MC has a done a solid job of distancing itself from its predecessor, creating its own unique biker gang paradise, filled with fascinating new characters - apart from Alvarez, Chuck, and Lincoln Potter. Bringing in old timers like Happy Lowman feels like the writers are still relying on nostalgia to keep the creative spark going, which they don't need to do. To be fair, it's too early to know what Happy's impact will be, but Mayans MC is doing just fine on its own. Sure, a cameo every now and then doesn't hurt, as long as it's not being used as a crutch. Either way, Season 2 can't come soon enough.

Fall TV 2018: 32 Shows We're Excited About

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THE PURGE (Sept 4, USA)
The mighty and maniacal Purge franchise heads to TV for a 10-episode dive into the 10th anniversary of alternate America's Purge Night - as a career woman, a marine, a cult member, and a young couple all find themselves pushed to the brink of madness. Starring Gabriel Chavarria, Lili Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Amanda Warren, and more.

01 OF 32

THE PURGE (Sept 4, USA)
The mighty and maniacal Purge franchise heads to TV for a 10-episode dive into the 10th anniversary of alternate America's Purge Night - as a career woman, a marine, a cult member, and a young couple all find themselves pushed to the brink of madness. Starring Gabriel Chavarria, Lili Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Amanda Warren, and more.

Fall TV 2018: 32 Shows We're Excited About

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The Verdict

Mayans MC concludes its first season the way it began - big and bold. EZ, Angel, and Felipe's complicated family drama continues to be an effective narrative that creator Elgin James is wisely exploiting. Add in a few surprising Sons of Anarchy-connected twists at the end, and you have the makings of an intriguing storyline for Season 2.